Needing Opinions on Possible Job Change

I started my job on July 17, 2013. I was PRN, but am now full-time 9am-6pm with benefits, etc. I LOVE my job, coworkers, and boss except for just a few things. I drive forty-five miles one way to get here. Which is simply awful and moving isn’t an option because we refuse to live close to the big city where my job is. My company also just got bought out by a new company and there is even less job-security than before.

There is a hospital way closer to where I live that just posted a job opening. It would have benefits, but would be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11:30pm-7:00am. I did my clinicals at this hospital last year and know a lot of the people there as well. I would have plenty of days off, but would take a giant pay cut. I’m not sure if I should attempt applying or what. I could really use some advice!

If you’re driving 90 minutes, consider the gas that you are spending to think if it would be worth it. Would you want to be away from your SO at nights? But have all week free to work another job, do whatever you want? And there may be a cut in pay but look into night/weekend shift differential?

I used to have a 40+ mile commute each way (it always took over an hour though due to traffic), and it really gets to you after awhile, not to mention the wear and tear on your vehicle plus gas costs. Do you think that this new opportunity could turn into a daytime job eventually? I’d definitely be tempted to apply for the closer job, but would ask about eventually switching to days if they make an offer.